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I can’t believe that the leaves are starting to fall already, it seems like the summer just got started. However, this summer the PSN engineers using the ORBMail V0.0 software and the Panasonic Subscriber Terminal did make a number of field trips. These experiences will be valuable in the writing of the PSN User’s manual. This packaged product will be called the Personal Satellite Station TM, what for it on the web page. In late August we will be involved with the beta testing of the new ORBCOMM Message Switch. Again this will give us a head start on how to best configure the Personal Satellite Station TM. The new message switch will give better message service than the old one. Something we must also be careful of is managing the expectations of the subscribers. What they should expect is good e-mail service with some services. What they should not expect is to be able to do is web browsing or even e-mail attachments. Speed is also an issue. E-mail by its design is not real-time; it is a background function. Although is some cases when the message switches are both connected to the internet at the same time, it can take only a few seconds of a message to go for mailbox to mailbox. But many message switches are not connected to the Internet full time; they poll for messages every few hours. The message switches are programmed to try and deliver a message for up to five days. So the PSN subscriber must be aware that it can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 days to get a message. Another important consideration in the development of user training will be having a formal training class available. This would be a training class conducted at a user site. This would be an option for an organization (business, school, club, etc) that orders a number of satellite terminals and want a group of users trained. It is unlikely that satellite communications will be a subscriber’s sole means of e-mail. The mobile terminals need to be integrated into the e-mail system so someone sending e-mail to a satellite subscriber doesn’t have to know if the satellite subscriber is using the mobile satellite service or if they are at their desk using their regular e-mail system. Funding is a continuing issue. There are a couple of angle and venture capital groups in the Northern Virginia Area. I’m applying to give 8-minute presentations before these groups to see if any of the members are interested in funding the company. Retail outlets. We are continuing to build up a list for contacts in possible retail outlets that would sell the subscriber terminals with a subscription to PSN or offer leasing services. The list includes Hearing Specialty Stores, Amateur Radio Stores, and Telecom Equipment Rental Stores. Overseas possibilities. We continue to be watched by overseas parties who have or are interested in becoming ORBCOMM regional providers. My intention is to attempt to get reseller agreements similar to those we have with the ORBCOMM USA and ORBCOMM Canada with other interested regional providers. However, the business plan for a region must be structured to the service needs of a particular region and most likely require a regional office be established. Local investors would be needed to establish a regional office otherwise traffic would be sent to nearest PSN message switch. E-mail list. As you may have noticed, I have started an automated e-mail list called update@skyhelp.net. A mail list makes it easier to send mail to a large number of people. It also allows people to add or delete themselves from the list. The personal header makes it appear more individual and less like spamming. The list is moderated so I must approve any mail to the list, replies, adding or subtracting of subscriber. I like the feature so far and may put it into our service offering where a PSN subscriber can have personal mail lists. The PSN message switch is now up. I can dial in with my laptop and get my e-mail. The message switch polls the Internet for mail every few hours. So I’m hoping to be more responsive and alert that when I answer the mail late at night at home.
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